(musical).

Unusually, we went out to enjoy some live music last weekend. We caught one half of a “big band” (think Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra/ Glen Miller. Youngsters willl need to google). This was the soundtrack of my childhood, that, and big musical shows (Sinatra, Ella, Bing, Roger and Hammerstein….).

Real Music! says a voice in my head.

The 60’s and 70’s really just happened to other people, I actually grew up (at least musically) in the 40’s and 50’s.

It’s always slightly surprised me that people in the street, at work, in the pub, never burst spontaneously into song, and/or dance. I still anticipate the swell of a full orchestra at key life moments.

I suspect my own inclination to perform for the cameras, has been at the root of many mishaps, and just ocassionally, remarkable memories – like the one where we waltz (brave woman!) around the lip of a working fountain, – in the middle of the night – at a wedding – in Australia. Or where I fall down stairs and feel compelled to bounce up (not these days) and take a bow (“Ta dah!”).

Entire numbers play out in my head at the least provocation, and you can catch me singing along in unguarded moments;

“…we got sunlight on the sand….”

“…there’s a bright golden haze on …”

“…I have often walked, down this street …”

(Bonus points available for the musical titles).

I know I’m not completely alone…. “the couple will now recite their vows, which they’ve prepared themselves….” “I got chills, they’re multiplying…” (alas I cannot write the Welsh lilt!). Still brings a smile ( nod to Susan and Gareth).

Having turned my ankle (again!) quite recently, I wonder if I should actually have taken those lessons in Tap dance all those years ago, or if that would just have made matters worse?

However much my own life plays out to the sound of music, we moved on from the big band to see another group of artists, who were dressed up in horror costume (what else would uncle fester play, apart from double bass?#).

After a dozen themed numbers, I realised that while there are all kinds of songs for 31st October, has it has one particular genre that has just specialised in the day;

Happy Rock-a-Billy* Halloween!

Next week on IaDL: November? How can it be November?

# Gong? Triangle? Timpani…

*Rockin in the graveyard, Batman Wolfman & Frankenstien, Monster Hop, Googoo Muck, She’s my Witch, Monster Mash, Surfin Dead…